Three Software Technology Tools
Word Processing Software
Typing programs such as Word have allowed teachers to get more information to students quicker. You can type class notes, class email or a course syllabus to get information easily to all students. Word processed text is clearer and easier to read than written text. Word processing allows teachers and students to be able to share documents easily online as M.D. Roblyer (2016) states “especially since the release of products such as Google Docs and Wikispaces, teachers and students can now create, edit, and share documents synchronously.” (p. 115). Students with special needs can also now communicate via word processing software which in years past they did not have access too. M.D. Roblyer explains (2016) “adaptive keyboards and voice recognition capabilities make writing more accessible for students with physical challenges.” (p.115). Issues that I have personally experienced since the advent of word processing software include the following: forgetting how to hand write, auto correcting leading to poor grammar and an inability to type which negates the time benefit to word processing.
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software such as Excel allow teachers to save time grading by using formulas which Roblyer explains (2016) “Entries also can be changed, added, or deleted easily, with formulas that automatically recalculate final grades” (p. 121). Spreadsheets also do a great job of clearly organizing and displaying data for students to read as opposed to handwritten graphs or lists. Spreadsheets also give mathematics a degree of visual appeal and by working with numbers in a graphic form. One of the biggest issues with spreadsheets is that they can be too complex and overwhelming for students. Also when creating them you have to ensure that you know how to do the formulas properly and they are in the right square so you get the desired results.
Presentation Software
Presentation software such as PowerPoint allow a teacher to organize and narrow in on information that they want to get to their students and can be presented in ways that engages them such as through videos, audio clips and interesting pictures to supplement simple text information. Presentation software can also allow students to make contributions in a way which they excel at which Roblyer notes (2016) “for example some may focus on text message design and some on selecting and creating appropriate graphics” (p. 127). Perhaps a criticism of presentation software is that it can simplify the message too much and teachers can miss covering all that they wanted to teach. “not giving out hard copies of slides” (Roblyer, 2016, p.129) is also in instance when the students could easily forget what they heard and will have no way of reviewing for future tests.
Chosen Software - Presentation
My goal is to teach Social Studies and I think there are many ways in with presentation software can help to keep students interested in what your teaching. I am a big fan of world war two and I think a great idea would be to have a PowerPoint presentation incorporating both audio and video clips that would allow the students to see and hear actual World War Two events. Here's a clip of World War 2 combat..
Mr. Mitchler,
ReplyDeleteI agree that word processing software, is a valuable tool for teachers to use in their classrooms. It can also be useful for the students as it can help with grammar and spelling errors. I feel that by allowing this type of software in the class, it will save both the teacher's time along with providing the student with a better working and learning environment. I agree that this type of program can also be helpful with students who have different types of disabilities (Roblyer, 2016, p.115). Allowing them to better interact with others by using the software will improve the student's knowledge and social interaction.
Jeremy this is great blog and I must agree with you on somethings you mentioned. My main concern with Word processing is the effect it may have on handwriting as you mentioned in your blog. "While no researchers have conducted formal studies of the impact of frequent word processing use on handwriting legibility, computer users commonly complain that their hand writing isn't what it use to be." (Roblyer pg. 116) I personally believe once you are taught how to write that is a skill that one should not lose. But I also believe in the motto "Practice makes Perfect". As a user of Word processor is this something you can agree with when it comes to maintaining your legible handwriting?
ReplyDeleteJeremy,
ReplyDeleteI really like some of the pros and cons you detail in the word processing section. I think the benefits for special needs kids is especially important when considering technology, and one of the undeniable assets all technology brings to the classroom. Yes, certain skill sets have been lost in the process. According to Robyler (2016), "computer users commonly complain that their handwriting isn't what it used to be," (p.116) but I often wonder if handwriting will become completely antiquated in 10-15 years. Typing has replaced it as essential skill set, but I think that could change. As voice recognition software develops, typing may become obsolete as well. It is essential to remember that technology is ever-evolving, and the things we are learning now, and the norms we are considering now, will be completely different in five years. But when technology allows a bridge for students who previously had trouble communicating (nonverbal autism, for example) then I think it is well worth implementing.
The use of audio and video in the classroom setting I feel is a must. Not everyone learns the same, I myself would be in the visual learning category. I can read the material and understand it however if I see the action being done it leaves a lasting memory and I learn the material more quickly that just reading it. So having the ability to “to display information, including text, images, audio, and video, in a slideshow format.” (Roblyer pg. 125), allows the teacher to reach every student in a way that fits their learning style.
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